If the purchase of a refurbished smartphone has many advantages, it nevertheless requires taking certain precautions in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Samsung Galaxy S22, iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7 Pro… These state-of-the-art smartphones, available between 500 euros and more than 1000 euros, are not within the reach of all budgets. However, there is a less expensive alternative to obtain them: turn to refurbished models, a solution that offers a second life to electronic equipment that is still functional.
Unlike a terminal purchased second-hand and sold as is, these mobile phones are enjoying a new lease of life. They are cleaned, checked and some components are replaced. Refurbished in this way by an approved reconditioner, they are put up for sale at a price corresponding to their aesthetic condition. Some of them may show more or less pronounced wear (micro-scratches on the screen, visible impacts on the hull, etc.), which will have an impact on the price.
Moreover, in addition to the advantage of making recent and high-performance products accessible, the acquisition of a refurbished smartphone helps to reduce your environmental impact. From marketplaces, such as Back Market or Cdiscount, to direct refurbishers such as Certideal or SMAAART, the offer in terms of refurbished mobile phones is plethoric and it is not always easy to navigate. Before setting your sights on the first device, certain criteria should be considered to ensure that you make the right choice.
Select a qualified professional
Two categories of players sell refurbished models. First, marketplaces (Back Market, Rakuten, Boulanger, etc.), e-commerce sites on which sellers from all over the world (reconditioning factories, independent repair shops, etc.) offer their products. These platforms, which serve as an intermediary between the buyer and the reconditioners, do not deal with the repair of the devices sold and have the advantage of offering a wide variety of products at the best prices. However, by buying on these platforms “you will have access to as many qualities of reconditioning, more or less good, as there are reconditioners on these sites. That is to say a lot”, underlines David Mignot, co-founder of YesYesat Tech&Co.
The challenge will be to select the most reliable. First, make sure of the country of origin of the reconditioner to avoid buying a device from abroad, recommends David Mignot. “You have to be aware that the refurbished market is not regulated. A reconditioner can be abroad and sell smartphones to the standards of his country, which are not the same as in France”. A situation that can cause problems in terms of the guarantee in the event of a breakdown as well as long delays in transporting the device. However, “if the reconditioner is French and has a storefront, it will be simpler. The question to ask when choosing a good reconditioner is: will I be able to turn to him if there is a problem?”, he specifies.
The second category of sellers is made up of direct refurbishers (Recommerce, YesYes, etc.). They ensure the restoration process from A to Z in their workshop. The rates are slightly higher there, but you have the advantage of having a single point of contact in the event of a breakdown. In addition, most direct reconditioners guarantee the reliability of the reconditioning processes. “Whether you go through marketplaces or refurbishers, carefully read the opinions left by previous buyers on the products and companies”, advises David Mignot. The name of the latter is generally indicated. Also do not hesitate to carry out a search internet to ensure their reliability and compare different offers.
Check the general state of the smartphone
The price of a refurbished smartphone varies according to its condition. As a rule, the latter is divided into four grades. The lowest price goes to terminals that show significant signs of wear (visible scratches on the screen or the shell, oxidation, etc.); the highest, to those whose erosion is barely perceptible.
The price difference between the two can vary from 20% to 50%. Also, carefully read the descriptions of the coveted products in order to estimate the wear and to estimate if it is worth adding a few extra euros to acquire a newer model.
Check battery wear
“Each retailer does what they want with the battery of a refurbished smartphone. He can change it or not,” says David Mignot. This therefore implies finding out about its state of wear before acquisition in order to select a device whose autonomy will be guaranteed for a long time.
“You have to check the criteria of the reconditioners and go to those who specify that the battery has been checked, that its charge capacity is at least 80% or that it has been replaced by a new one. We change the battery when it is less than 80% of its original charge capacity”, underlines the boss of YesYes.
Check warranty terms
According to the law, a refurbished mobile must systematically be accompanied by a two-year guarantee, this is the legal guarantee of conformity, and, in the worst case, 6 months, because the device is normally also subject to a commercial guarantee.
“Make sure of the duration of the guarantee and, above all, examine carefully what it covers to avoid surprises”, warns David Mignot. In addition, going to a French reconditioner rather than a foreign one makes it easier to claim the warranty in the event of a problem.
Find out about the origin of the accessories
Very often, the earphones and the charger sold with a refurbished smartphone are not original, because they are expensive elements on which sellers seek to save money by buying cheap products. “For example, the iPhone 10 requires an OLED display. Some refurbishers will replace it with a cheaper LCD screen. This is why it is necessary to ensure that the spare parts, if they are not original, are of high quality.
David Mignot recommends checking with the refurbisher that the accessories provided are certified. “For iPhones, for example, we have Apple-certified cables that cost four times more than basic ones. But it is the choice of quality for our customers and for the durability of the phone”, he recalls.
